WWE NXT delivered its final stop before Heatwave with a chaotic episode from the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. The show featured championship implications, a brutal Weaponized Steel Cage Match and several major developments heading into Sunday’s premium live event.
Saquon Shugars survives Weaponized Steel Cage Match
Saquon Shugars defeated Dion Lennox in the night’s most violent encounter. With weapons surrounding the steel structure, the two rivals battled throughout the cage before Shugars secured the victory with a spectacular diving crossbody from the cage. The win provided a major moment for Shugars in his ongoing rivalry with Lennox.
Rey Fenix retains AAA Cruiserweight Championship
AAA Cruiserweight Champion Rey Fenix successfully defended his title against EK Prosper. Prosper pushed the champion in one of his biggest opportunities to date, but Fenix was able to survive the challenge and leave NXT with the championship still around his waist.
Kali Armstrong earns Heatwave opportunity
Kali Armstrong scored a major victory over Women’s North American Champion Zaria. Because of the stipulation, Armstrong’s win earned her a place in the upcoming title unification match at Heatwave, changing the bout from a one-on-one contest into a triple-threat showdown involving Zaria, Wren Sinclair and Armstrong.
BirthRight wins eight-man tag
BirthRight—Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo, Charlie Dempsey, Lexis King and Uriah Connors—defeated Romeo Moreno, Noam Dar, Sean Legacy and Dorian Van Dux in an action-packed eight-man tag team match.
Other Heatwave developments
The show also continued the build toward the NXT Championship Fatal 4-Way involving champion Tony D’Angelo, Grayson Waller, Cruz Montana and Zilla Fatu. Kendal Grey and Kelani Jordan also exchanged final words ahead of their championship clash. Meanwhile, Natalya challenged Jaida Parker to a Submission Match at Heatwave, and Parker accepted.
Final Thoughts
NXT successfully raised the stakes for Heatwave with several key storylines reaching their final stage. Shugars and Lennox delivered the night’s most memorable match, while Kali Armstrong’s victory significantly changed the women’s title picture.
With the NXT Championship, women’s championship and title unification matches all set, Heatwave now has a stacked card following an eventful go-home edition of NXT.
